LAWRENCE - City leaders want to work closely with property owners and insurance companies to have a fire-torn block of the city razed and cleaned up within the next 30 days.
Mayor Michael Sullivan yesterday called the blackened block of Parker and Market streets "the number one priority for redevelopment in the city."
Sullivan also is planning a large-scale press conference next week to thank the hundreds of police officers, firefighters and volunteers who have worked tirelessly since Monday morning's blaze. By then, he also hopes to announce the city has received federal disaster assistance to help 200 residents left homeless.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, Sen. John Kerry, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas and Gov. Deval Patrick all sent letters to the Small Business Administration yesterday requesting disaster assistance for the city.
The cause of Monday morning's fire that destroyed 14 buildings remains under investigation. One person received minor injuries in the fire.
"We are working on a couple of things but nothing has materialized," police Chief John Romero said yesterday.
A task force composed of police, firefighters, state troopers and federal agents is trying to pinpoint the cause. The fire is considered "suspicious," but officials have not said publicly they suspect arson.
The fire is believed to have started in the former Millennium nightclub at 34-44 Parker St., which was being renovated into a restaurant with apartments. A city inspector found an illegal propane heater being used there last week. Work at the site also was shut down a year ago after several fire hazards, including scrap wood being burned in a 55-gallon drum, was found inside.
Detectives are expected to be done collecting evidence from the site by early next week and Sullivan said he'd like to see redevelopment of the area start immediately. He suggested area property owners could pool together insurance money to clean out the site.
"We are hoping to get together the different owners and see how the city can assist them," Sullivan said.
The Fire Department does not believe any hazardous materials are currently at the site. Also, just a single pet required assistance after the blaze. One dog who survived the fire is being boarded at the Andover Animal Hospital, police said yesterday.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Methuen, after learning of the fire, offered shelter to any displaced animal. However, as of yesterday, no one had taken the shelter up on its offer.
"We are always willing to help with any pets in an emergency situation," Mike Kieley, an MSPCA spokesman said yesterday.
It's unclear when the city will know if it receives disaster assistance from the federal government. Lawrence is asking for a Small Business Administration declaration, which is similar to a disaster declaration but for loss on a smaller scale.
Should the city qualify, residents and small business owners would be eligible for loans to help them rebuild in the area.
In order to qualify for the loans, the city would have to show that at least 25 businesses and homes have been significantly impacted and 40 percent of that loss is uninsured.
The money would then be made available through the Small Business Administration. If the money becomes available, renters could be eligible for loans up to $40,000, homeowners up to $200,000 and business owners up to $1 million.
The press conference will be next Thursday at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Pumps, a business right next to the fire scene. Sullivan said he anticipates more than 200 people will attend.
Staff reporter Jill Harmacinski can be reached at 978-946-2209 or by e-mail at JHarmacinski@eagletribune.com.
